Geobg-e duncan



(N0 Model.)

G. DUNCAN. GAR WHBELLOGK.

Patented Aug. 26, 1884.

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- 2o brakes are loosened too soon, the train will i 55 apparatusattached.

`NTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.v l

GEORGE DUN CAN, OF DUNEDIN, OTAGO, INEW ZEALAND.

CARWHEEL LOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 304,262, dated August26, 1884.

Application filed December 22, 1883.

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, GEORGE DUNCAN, a subj ect of the Queen of GreatBritain, residing at Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, have in- 5 vented anew and useful Improvement in Locks for Wheels of Railway-Gars, of whichthe following is a specification. Y

My invention relates more particularly to the locking of wheels on carsof railways that 1o have steep grades, where the cars have to be stoppedand started on an incline or grade. The usual method is to stop the carswith brakes, which, when in action, prevent movement of the cars ineither direction, so that when power is applied for starting the trainthe brakes have to be loosened `just at the proper moment to prevent thecars from running backward, or so that an excess of power may not berequired in starting. If the run backward and cause a great shock whenthe power-is applied, or if not loosened soon enough an extra amount ofpower will be demanded; and in the case of railways operated by endlesscables an injurious strain will be brought upon the cable to its seriousdamage. The object of my invention is to obviate this danger and yethold the car firmly when on an incline, at the same time allowing the 3ocars to be started up the grade without requiring them to be exact inloosening the brakes. This I attain by attaching to the axle of the cara ratchet-wheel and to the body of the car or other part distinct fromthe axle a pawl, one end of which will drop into and fit the teeth ofthe ratchet, and the pawl is so placed in reference to the ratchet thatwhen the pawl is in action the ratchet can only turn in one direction,and that in the direction up 4o the incline. If it is desired to run thecar up an incline in either direction, or either end first, two ratchetsmay bc placed on one axle with the pawls arranged in oppositedirections; or a ratchet may be placed on one axle with the pawl actingin one direction, and another ratchet placed on another axle with thepawl for that ratchet acting in -the other direction, and connecting thetwo pawls together by suitable mechanism, so that either 5o pawl may beput in action or both pawls thrown out of action.

My invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in whichFigure l is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a car with thev Fig. 2is a plan of the (No model.)

ratchets and pawls and mechanism for operating them; and Fig. 3 is across-section of the car, showing more particularly a side view of oneof the hangers for carrying part of the mechanism.

Similar letters refer to like parts in all the figures.

A represents the platform or floor of a car; B B, the wheels, and O theaxle, on which is securely fastened the ratchet D, with teeth so formedthat the pawl E,which acts upon them, may be hinged on the side of theaxle toward the center of the car.

E is the shaft on which the pawl E is hinged, and is carried by thehanger G, which is fast! cned to the car or some part distinct from theaxle.

II is a link extending from a short arm on the pawlE to a lever, l,which is fulcrumed on the shaft J, carried by the hanger K. The pawl Eis shown engaged with the ratchet D, which can turn in the direction inwhich the car is moving. The lever I in this case leans toward thedirection in which the car is moving. By means of the lever I the pawlis thrown either in or out of action. In the drawings, pawls andratchets are attached to Y both axles, and both pawls are connected tothe lever I, so that either pawl may be put into action; or both may bekept out of action at the same time by moving the lever to a verticalposition. A quadrant with notches and spring-catch may be used forretaining the lever I in any desired position.

If desired, two ratchets may be placed upon the same axle, and pawlsadapted to act upon them in either direction may be arranged similar' tothe feed-motion of a metal-planing machine for machine-shops. r

Having thus explained myinvention, what 95 I claim, and desire to secureby Letters Patent, is-

l. The combination of the car A, the wheels B B, axles O O, and ratchetsD D with the pawls E E, shafts F F, hangers G G, links roo l-I H, leverI, and hanger K, substantially as ,f described, and for the purpose setforth.

2. rlhe combination of the car A and axles C with the ratchets D, pawlsE, and lever I for actuating the same, substantially as de- 105 scribedand set forth.

GEORGE DUNCAN. Vitnesses:

W. W. HANscoM, l?. E. CAMPBELL.

